summer fun essentials

When I saw that Kiki's The Circle theme for this month was going to be "summer essentials," I got to thinking about all the activities I think are essential to fit in to my (always too short) summer - and since I just couldn't narrow down my summer must-haves list to just one of them, I've instead repurposed the gift grid to showcase what would be my essential items to wear, carry, sip/snack on, and bring along for all of them: a beach day, a backyard BBQ, a baseball game, my birthday dinner (this weekend!), and trips to the farmers market.

for a beach day: scalloped bikini by H&M | embroidered tote by Target | insulated water bottle by S'Well | sea fan beach towel by Ruby Mint | for a backyard BBQ: embroidered tank by J.Crew Factory | Acapulco cooler bag by Sunny Life | grilled pizza recipe by The Kitchn | 6-pack of Cougar by Rhinegeist | for a baseball game: denim shorts by J.Crew Factory | canvas backpack by Baggu | soft pretzel from the concession stand | Cubs Cooperstown hat by '47 Brand | for my birthday dinner: lace shift dress by J.Crew Factory | lock clutch by Loeffler Randall | French 75 cocktail (or In my case the Sparkling ‘66 [Prosecco, Cardamaro, Demerara Cube, Lemon Zest] by Boca) | lucite box (with a present in it!) by Furbish Studio | for the farmers market: flat sandals by Michael Kors | insulated market basket by DII via Amazon | fresh strawberries grown by your local farmer | slim bee wristlet (with cash for your purchases!) by Kate Spade New York

Are any of these activities on your must-do list for the summer? Pretty much all of them always are for me, and I'm especially excited about some of them this year - like the fabulous farmers market that's just a few blocks from our new house. And the beach! Sad as I am to leave Cincinnati, I'm excited to be living on the coast of Lake Michigan again. I think this might call for getting that cute new bikini...

But first up, my birthday dinner date with Peter to Boca this weekend, which is kind of a birthday celebration + Cincinnati last hurrah in one. Can't wait to ring in 31 with that prosecco cocktail.

Happy summer!